Cleaning & Prevention

Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque (a soft, sticky,
bacteria infested film) and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Dental
cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum
disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth
loss. Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the
teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to
them.

The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized instruments
to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First,
the dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic device that emits
vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. The ultrasonic
device sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away
debris and keep the area at a comfortable temperature. Next, hand
tools called scalers and curettes are used to manually remove
smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. These tools are
curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth. Once all the
tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are
polished using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup that
spins on the end. Prophylaxis paste which is a special gritty
toothpaste-like material - is applied to the teeth to make them
shiny and smooth. Your dental hygienist or dentist may also apply
fluoride to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.